Wheatstone circuit sketches

Charles Wheatstone (1802-1875) was Professor of Experimental Philosophy at King’s College London from 1834 until his death.

He was a prolific inventor, creating the kaleidophone, concertina, stereoscope, constant cell battery, electric telegraph and iron core galvanometer; as well as conducting many experiments with sound, light and electricity.

These sketches of electrical circuits are part of Wheatstone’s work on electromotive forces, drawn on the first piece of paper he had to hand – a notice to attend a Royal Society meeting.